The spirits division of wine giant Gallo has made another “strategic investment”, this time in Puerto Rico-based rum brand Ron del Barrilito.
The transaction, the size and cost of which were not shared by the privately-owned group, has been conducted through Spirit of Gallo. Described as the company’s “return to rum”, the arrival of the four-strong portfolio comes just over 20 months after Venezuelan rum Diplomático was acquired by Brown-Forman.
Gallo had agreed in mid-2018 to become the US importer for Diplomático.
Founded in 1880, Ron del Barrilito was acquired seven years ago by Joaquin Bacardi and a group of local investors, according to Gallo. Puerto Rico is also home to Bacardi’s rum distillery, around 7km from Barrilito’s facility.
“Ron del Barrilito rum is poised to capitalise on the growth in the super premium-plus rum category,” said Spirit of Gallo GM Britt West. “To win in rum, we know it needs to be super premium-plus. Ron del Barrilito has a strong heritage story, existing affinity amongst the trade, and robust quality statements that make it a valuable addition to our portfolio.
“We look forward to working with the team to help Ron del Barrilito reach its full potential here in the US.”
The flagship 3 Stars expression in Barrilito’s four-strong portfolio carries a retail price-point of US$39.99 and is positioned as a sipping rum that “has a cult following among mixologists”, Gallo said. The brand joins the likes of Mexico’s Condesa rum, also the subject of an unspecified investment by the company three months ago, on Gallo’s books.
